James Harden, G, 6-5, Arizona State (first round) -- Expected to challenge for a starting spot as a rookie. Physical with high basketball I.Q. Can score, get to the rim and defend.

B.J. Mullens, C, 7-1, Ohio State (first round) -- A definite project who started only two games during his freshman and only season in college. Good hands and athletic.

Robert Vaden, G, 6-5, Alabama-Birmingham (second round) -- Averaged 17.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a senior. Fastest player in UAB history to reach the 1,000-point scoring plateau.

FREE AGENT FOCUS: Malik Rose, Desmond Mason and Robert Swift are free agents. The team likely doesn't have any interest in Rose or Swift, though either may be used in a sign-and-trade scenario. Mason, an Oklahoma State product, could be a possibility if he's healthy. With so much room for improvement, the team is looking for veteran depth at all positions on the affordable side.

PLAYER NEWS:

--F Kevin Durant is one of three Thunder players taking part in Team USA's mini-camp this summer. Durant, however, is the most likely of the trio to earn a spot on the 2012 Olympic team.

He's been part of the 33-man USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program for the last two years and was also a member of the USA Basketball Select Team in 2008. Considered one of the brightest young talents in the NBA, many consider Durant a future All-Star and possible MVP candidate in the years to come.

--G Thabo Sefolosha may eventually be pushed out of the starting lineup with the arrival of rookie James Harden. Sefolosha, acquired from Chicago last season, gave the Thunder a defensive presence in the backcourt, but he proved limited offensively. Even if Harden eventually moves into starting spot, Sefolosha figures to be an important part of the rotation going forward.

--G Russell Westbrook backed off quotes attributed to ESPN The Magazine regarding Ricky Rubio. According to the magazine, when Westbrook was asked about the Thunder possibly drafting Rubio, he replied: "You trippin.'"